A Letter in Reply
Nov. 24, 2010
Dear Fang,
　　I understand that you are in a dilemma. Although so many graduates are eager to set foot on their work-life road, there are still some who prefer to start their work-life after gaining higher degree to make better preparations for entering society.
　　In my opinion, the latter is more admirable. You are good at all your courses these years, so you have the advantages of pursuing higher degree. In today's society, the achievement and status you can get and the devotion you can make are no doubt in proportion to your educational background, coupled with the efforts you put in them. If you want to stride to your object more smoothly and easily, why not head for the further study courageously?
　　Whichever you choose, I firmly believe your effort will ensure your success. After all, it is you who have the final say on the final choice.
　　Best wishes!
　　               Yours sincerely,
　　                             Li Ming
　　(158 words)

be in a dilemma 
进退两难，左右为难
be eager to do sth.  渴望做某事
set foot on...  踏上......
make preparations for 
做......的准备
admirable  adj. 令人钦佩的，令人赞赏的
have the advantages of... 
具有......的优势
devotion  n. 奉献
in proportion to...  与......成比例
coupled with  连同，与......一起
stride  v. 大踏步走  n. 大步
head for  朝......方向走去
courageously  adv. 勇敢地
ensure  vt. 保证，确保
after all  毕竟，究竟
have the final say on... 
对......有最终发言权

　　

回 信
　　亲爱的芳：
　　我理解，你目前正处于两难的境地。虽然这么多的毕业生都热切地盼望踏上事业之途，但也有一些人更愿意在获得更高的学历后才开始工作，为进入社会做更好的准备。
　　我认为，后者更可取。这些年来，你的各科成绩一直不错，因此在攻读更高的学历时占有优势。在当今社会，你能获得的成就与地位以及你能做出的贡献无疑都与教育背景及所付出的努力成正比。如果你想更平稳、更轻松地实现你的目标，为何不拿出勇气继续深造呢？
　　不管你的选择如何，我都坚信你的努力将会带来成功。毕竟，你才是最后做决定的那个人。
　　谨致问候！
　　        李明 
　　       2013年11月24日

1. Although so many graduates are eager to set foot on their work-life road, there are still some who prefer to start their work-life after gaining higher degree to make better preparations for entering society. 虽然这么多的毕业生都热切地盼望踏上事业之途，但也有一些人更愿意在获得更高的学历后才开始工作，为进入社会做更好的准备。
2. In my opinion, the latter is more admirable. 我认为，后者更可取。